When I first heard Taylor Sheridan was doing a spy thriller, I didn’t know what to expect.
He practically trademarked cowboy drama: dusty boots, slow burns, family feuds under a Montana sky with Yellowstone.
And then boom: Special Ops: Lioness drops on Paramount+ with covert ops, military tactics, and Zoe Saldaña running black-ops missions.
Not what I was expecting. But I loved it.
And now, two seasons in (with a third officially confirmed!), I genuinely think Lioness might be one of the most underrated shows in Sheridan’s entire lineup.
It’s gritty, smart, loaded with star power, and it’s only getting better.
So yeah, if you haven’t watched it yet, or maybe bailed after early reviews, I’m here to convince you to give it another shot because Lioness Season 3 could be the game-changer.
Taylor Sheridan Did Something Different and It’s Working
Comparing Lioness to Taylor Sheridan‘s other hits can feel a bit like comparing apples and oranges.
But needless to say, when most people hear “Taylor Sheridan”, they immediately think of Yellowstone. Or 1883.
So when Lioness premiered with a distinctly modern feel, it was a pivot. And not everyone was on board.
The show launched with a 56% Rotten Tomatoes score, and that number hung around like a bad Yelp review. But Lioness didn’t flinch.
It doubled down, found its rhythm, and by Season 2? Way stronger reception (90% on Rotten Tomatoes).
Sheridan didn’t just try something new; he committed to it. And it paid off. Big time.
I love that he didn’t play it safe. He could’ve coasted on cowboy lore forever.
But instead, he went for something more surgical, more global, more emotionally raw in a different way. That deserves credit.
You Can’t Ignore The Star Power on Lioness
If you need a reason to start watching Lioness, let me give you two: Zoe Saldaña and Nicole Kidman.
Saldaña’s performance as Joe McNamara is the heart of the show.
You feel everything with her, whether she’s leading a black-ops mission or breaking down behind closed doors.
Despite Nicole Kidman not having the anticipated presence, she was absolutely stellar.
Plus, when Morgan Freeman strolls into a scene as the U.S. Secretary of State? Game over.
It’s prestige meets pressure-cooker tension, and I’m here for it.
Why Season 3 is Taking Forever And Why It’s a Good Thing
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room: yes, the wait for Season 3 is frustrating.
Lioness Season 2 wrapped in December 2024, and for a while there, it felt like we were all in limbo.
The delay reportedly came down to contracts; Nicole Kidman‘s, specifically.
Saldaña had already signed on for three seasons, but getting the rest of the team locked in apparently took longer than expected.
As a fan, I don’t mind the wait if it means they’re taking the time to get it right.
This show has too much potential to rush.
And now that Season 3 is officially greenlit, I’m feeling way more hopeful that Lioness is about to level up.
Season 3 Could Be Lioness’ Breakout Year, But It Needs More Eyes
Right now, Lioness feels like that brilliant show your friend keeps recommending, and you keep saying, “I’ll get to it,” but never actually do.
I get it. It doesn’t yet have the same cultural weight. But if Season 1 was the setup, and Season 2 was the glow-up, then Season 3 could be the moment the show finally gets its due.
All it needs is for more people to watch. Ergo, if you’ve been on the fence about Lioness, let me be that friend who tells you one more time: this show is worth your time.
I’ve been in since episode one, and watching this series evolve has been one of my favorite surprises in Sheridan’s universe.
Could this espionage thriller become the next big thing, or is it destined to be the ‘hidden gem’ of Taylor Sheridan’s world? Spill your thoughts below!
And, if you’re looking for another high-octane drama while waiting for Lioness Season 3, NCIS: Tony & Ziva should be on your list.
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